A jury of eight men and four women has been sworn in for the trial of comedian Russell Brand at Southwark Crown Court. Mr Brand, 51, faces three charges of rape, three of sexual assault, and one of indecent assault.
The allegations relate to six women and are said to have occurred over a 10-year period between 1999 and 2009. Mr Brand denies all the charges.
The judge, Mr Justice Bennathan, instructed jurors to disregard any previous media reports concerning Mr Brand and allegations of sexual misconduct. The prosecution is expected to open its case on Wednesday, with the trial anticipated to last six weeks.